Lyth and Lees ready for England call

Yorkshire's Adam Lyth celebrates winning the Division One County Championship trophy during day four of the LV= County Championship Division One match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. SSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday September 12, 2014. See PA story CRICKET Nottinghamshire. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Published:14:04Monday 16 March 2015

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England may be pondering a recall for Jonathan Trott but Yorkshire openers Adam Lyth and Alex Lees are ready and waiting to answer the call should selectors opt for new blood in the West Indies.

England play three Tests in the Caribbean next month, where they will hope to shake off the ignominy of their woeful World Cup campaign.

The identity of captain Alastair Cook’s batting partner is likely to be one of the most vexed questions during selection meetings this week, with incumbent Sam Robson on shaky ground and Trott reportedly being considered for the first time since departing the 2013/14 Ashes with a stress-related condition.

He made his name as a number three but with another Yorkshire batsman, Gary Ballance, having made that slot his own, Trott is being considered for a promotion.

Even if the 33-year-old travels, England may be tempted to take top-order cover and the title-winning pairing are first in line.

Former Scarborough CC batsman Lyth was the top scorer in division one of the LV= County Championship last summer, making 1,489 runs and scoring six centuries, while 21-year-old Lees made 971 runs and is rated as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

“I feel like I’ve had a good winter with England Lions and hopefully I get the telephone call which I think I thoroughly deserve,” said Whitby-based Lyth.

“I’m looking forward to what might come for me. You can see how many people in recent years have gone on from playing Lions cricket to representing England and hopefully I can be the next one.

“If that’s not the case all I can do is keep scoring runs for Yorkshire.”

Lyth and Lees are an unusual study in partners as rivals - as well as batting together throughout the county season they also played for the Lions in South Africa over the winter.

Even now they are leading rival Yorkshire teams in an inter-club friendly in Abu Dhabi, but their relationship remains strong.

“Of course I get on really well with Alex and if he gets the nod I’ll give him a pat on the back and say well done, but I obviously hope it’s me,” added Lyth.

Lees is aware of the interest he has attracted as a stylish young opener, but is attempting to remain on an even keel as speculation over a Test call builds.